Landon Donovan Comes Out of Retirement Again to Play in Mexico for Club Leon
MEXICO CITY (AP) Landon Donovan is coming out of retirement for the second time in three years, this time to join Club Leon in Mexico.
The Liga MX team announced Donovan's return to soccer on Twitter on Friday night. Donovan also tweeted about joining Club Leon, saying he was excited to face former U.S. teammate and current C.F. Pachuca player Omar Gonzalez next month.
In the tweet exchange with Leon's president Jesus Martinez, Donovan wrote in Spanish: "I loved the city. You have the best fans. @clubleonfc is a historic and winning team. I don't believe in walls, I want to go to Mexico, wear green and win trophies with Leon. See you soon!"
Martinez responded: "I knew it, you always wanted to use green. Welcome to #LaFiera! You're already a player of @clubleonfc."
Following the response, Club Leon made it official:
The 35-year-old Donovan is widely considered to be the most accomplished player in American soccer history. He is the joint all-time leading scorer with Clint Dempsey for the United States, and has won six MLS Cups, two with San Jose Earthquakes and four with LA Galaxy.
He returned to the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer in September of 2016 following a 21-month retirement and appeared in nine games. He hasn't played professionally since Nov. 6, 2016.
Donovan has done broadcast work since retiring and was rumored to be considering a run for U.S. Soccer Federation president. Donovan announced in November that he would not seek the position.
Club Leon just started its Liga MX Clausura campaign, sitting in fifth place with one victory.
